Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Are you ready for another round of Reading 52 books in 52 Weeks? Whether you are just joining in or continuing on for another round, the rules are very simple. The goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. Make the year easy and casual or kick it up by exploring new to you authors and genres. Challenge yourself to read at least some classics or delve into that chunkster (more than 500 pages) you always wanted to tackle. The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

Since this is our 5th year, I challenge you to a 5/5/5 challenge. Read 5 books in 5 Categories and/or 5 Genres. I have several mini challenges to make it fun:

Hi, there! I'm new to this challenge, and I just had a question about the 5/5/5 part: I get that I am supposed to choose five mini-challenges. For the A to Z Challenge by title, do you read only 5 books for that challenge or do you have to do all 26? Sorry, I am just confused about the 5/5/5 part!

Sorry, another question: The challenge says no children's books. Are you referring to picture books, or all juvenile fiction? For example, I read a lot of Newbery books aloud to my kids. Would those count, or no?

The 5/5/5 is totally optional and just a way to mix up different genres. You choose the categories and books. A-Z doesn't make much sense for the 5/5/5 since it entails reading 26 books at least alphabetically by title or author. Hope that makes sense.

As far as children's books go, here's what I've said before: If it is a child whose reading it and involved in the challenge, then that's okay. If an adult is doing read aloud with kids, the book should be geared for the 9 - 12 age group and over 100 pages. If adult reading for own enjoyment, then a good rule of thumb to go by "is there some complexity to the story or is it too simple?" If it's too simple, then doesn't count.

I like the 5/5/5 challenge. I don't usually read non-fiction but I might give it a go. Also the Well Educated Mind challenge is intriguing as well since I love classics. The Chunky Mini Challenge is the one I'll avoid. I'm a slow reader and big books take a long time to finish e.g. Les Mis and The Stand.

I have a note about it on the home page: **in reference to children books. If it is a child whose reading it and involved in the challenge, then that's okay. If an adult is doing read aloud with kids, the book should be geared for the 9 - 12 age group and above and over 100 pages. If adult reading for own enjoyment, then a good rule of thumb to go by "is there some complexity to the story or is it too simple?" If it's too simple, then doesn't count.

Totally up to you to decide what you are going to count toward your 52. :)